Where to Study Computer Science

When deciding where to study computer science, international students coming to the United States can choose
between some of the best computer science progbrams in the world. However, the best locations for studying
computer science often have more than just top-tier academic programs. This article will identify some of the
best locations for studying computer science, as well as provide international students insight into pressing
factors to consider when deciding where to study computer science.

Academics and Research

If academic renown and cutting-edge research are an international student's primary concern, locations with active
and well-funded institutions will be the best options for studying computer science. However, computer science
programs in the US are among the best in the world, and international students can be sure that they will receive an internationally-recognized degree that is highly valued by
employers all around the world, regardless of where they study. In fact, a study conducted by US News and World Report assessing the best computer
science schools in the world placed seven out of the ten top schools for computer science in the United States.
Additionally, a similar study by the same entity, which focused strictly on institutions within the United States, yielded
the following list of the top schools for computer science:

If academics and research opportunities are your primary concern in deciding where to study
computer science, you may want to check out our helpful article on the
Top Schools for Computer Science in the United States.

However, while the renown and quality of the institution is always a key factor in pursuing any degree, it would be
wise for international students to focus on other criteria when deciding where to study computer science. For
instance, not only are computer science degrees in demand in nearly every industry, they are available and
applicable in nearly every location. This high availability of jobs and programs means international students will
have their pick of city and state in which to study.

Popular Cities for Computer Science in the US

While computer science degrees have available applications in nearly every city in the United States, there are some
locations that are considered computer science and technology hubs. The most prominent of these popular cities for
computer science in the US is the so-called Silicon Valley area of California. The area is synonymous with
technology in the United States and represents the cities that make up the area, including all of the Santa
Clara Valley, encompassing San Jose (the third largest city in
California and 10th
largest in the United States) and the surrounding cities of Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Monte
Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Santa Clara, Saratoga, Sunnyale, Fremont, Newark, and parts of San
Francisco. The Silicon Valley area is by far the best location for studying computer science for those international
students who want to live and breathe technology in the epicenter of US computer science. The opportunities for
cutting-edge research, internships with major businesses in the field, and subsequent employment upon graduation are
at their highest in Silicon Valley, which is the reason the cities which make it up are the most popular cities for
computer science in the US.

While Silicon Valley may be the heart of the computer science industry in the US, it is far from the only option for
students to consider. Below is a list of popular cities for computer science in the US that international students
may want to look into when deciding where to study computer science. These cities have the highest proportion of
computer science jobs relative to their populations according to a measure known as relative popularity. A relative
popularity of 1.0 means there are an average number of computer science jobs relative to the city's population when
compared to the US as a whole. The cities on the list represent some of the best locations for studying computer
science in the US as indicated by their relative popularity factor.

San Jose, California (6.5)

Blacksburg, Virginia (13.8)

Austin, Texas (8.6)

Bethesda, Maryland (7.4)

Washington, D.C. (5.5)

Learn more about studying computer science in the USA by reading our growing article collection.

Over time we will be updating this section and including more information for those who want to study
computer science in the USA and for other countries, but please feel free to post your thoughts and comments on our
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